the baltimore ravens kickoff their season. kim dacey joins us live with that story. >> the game tonight is important because it sets the stage for the rest of the season for the ravens. they are honoring a few people including art modell. stadium was filled with hundreds of people who paid their respects to the original ravens owner. there will be a moment of silence. this will wear pins honoring his name. the ravens players are ready for the new season. they are confident it will be another good year. the ravens will play cincinnati here at m&t bank stadium at 7:00 p.m. tonight. kim dacey, wbal-tv 11 news. >> what are the ravens players saying about the season? >> ray lewis said joe flacco is taking control of the offense. >> thank you, kim. >> here is matt lauer with a look at what is coming up next on the "today" show. >> good morning. teachers in chicago going on strike for the first time in 25 years, leaving hundreds of thousands of parents and students scrambling. curry will join us. a rash of viruses being seen in place